20 replies to this topic

[Crazycow]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Wenatchee washington suburb backyard 
2. Date of collection: may 9th 2021
3. Habitat of collection: underneath a planter 
4. Length (from head to gaster): 1-3 mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: black with stripes on gaster 
6. Distinguishing characteristics: long body/gaster 
7. Distinguishing behavior: N/A
8. Nest description:  N/A

9. Nuptial flight time and date: N/A

 

if anyone is able to tell is this a queen ant or just a worker?

 

[NPLT]

Either Hypoponera punctatissima or Hypoponera opacior

[Crazycow]

Either Hypoponera punctatissima or Hypoponera opacior

Do you have anymore info on the species? From what I’ve just read I didn’t really get much. Also any idea if it’s a queen or just a worker?

[NPLT]

 

Either Hypoponera punctatissima or Hypoponera opacior

Do you have anymore info on the species? From what I’ve just read I didn’t really get much. Also any idea if it’s a queen or just a worker?

 

They are cryptic so they like it wet, very wet, you should add soil to the tube because they can't grip onto glass and plastic easily. If I remember correctly they are semi-claustral and in nature hunt springtails, so you should consider getting a culture of those, but they should accept flies. About the worker or queen, I don't know, it isn't the season for them.

[Crazycow]

 

 

Either Hypoponera punctatissima or Hypoponera opacior

Do you have anymore info on the species? From what I’ve just read I didn’t really get much. Also any idea if it’s a queen or just a worker?

 

They are cryptic so they like it wet, very wet, you should add soil to the tube because they can't grip onto glass and plastic easily. If I remember correctly they are semi-claustral and in nature hunt springtails, so you should consider getting a culture of those, but they should accept flies. About the worker or queen, I don't know, it isn't the season for them.

 

ok thank you for the info. i will probally keep it then and try and see if i can get some clear pictures of some wing scars and if i can't tell well ill just keep it and see if it starts to lay eggs lol.

[gcsnelling]

There appear to be chewed off wing stubs which would make this a queen. The appropriate usage of the term "cryptic species" does not refer to their habit of living in the soil, but rather to  there  often being several species which are all similar and nearly impossible to separate visually.

[NPLT]

There appear to be chewed off wing stubs which would make this a queen. The appropriate usage of the term "cryptic species" does not refer to their habit of living in the soil, but rather to  there  often being several species which are all similar and nearly impossible to separate visually.

Good to know! I must have misunderstood it's usage from another thread.

[Crazycow]

There appear to be chewed off wing stubs which would make this a queen. The appropriate usage of the term "cryptic species" does not refer to their habit of living in the soil, but rather to  there  often being several species which are all similar and nearly impossible to separate visually.

so dose this mean i should not keep it moist or should i still do this?

[gcsnelling]

 

There appear to be chewed off wing stubs which would make this a queen. The appropriate usage of the term "cryptic species" does not refer to their habit of living in the soil, but rather to  there  often being several species which are all similar and nearly impossible to separate visually.

Good to know! I must have misunderstood it's usage from another thread.

 

It is commonly misused among the ant keeping crowd.

[gcsnelling]

I have little experience with these ants but I think I would try them in a damp soil type set up.

[Crazycow]

I have little experience with these ants but I think I would try them in a damp soil type set up.

Ok good to know, thank you!

[Kaelwizard]

It is a queen and soil is a must (at least imo). She will need food during founding. I've found springtails to be a favorite. Mine also accepted cricket and dubia roach legs. My queen never accepted any sugars (at least liquid ones).

[Crazycow]

It is a queen and soil is a must (at least imo). She will need food during founding. I've found springtails to be a favorite. Mine also accepted cricket and dubia roach legs. My queen never accepted any sugars (at least liquid ones).

good to know, when she starts laying eggs how long do you think it will take for them to become workers 

[ZTYguy]

I’d give it a month to 2 months

[Kaelwizard]

I’d give it a month to 2 months

Mine had eggs for like 2 months. She was on heat too. 

 

On second thought she probably ate them at some point, but she did have them for a very long time.

Edited by Kaelwizard, May 10 2021 - 1:39 PM.

[Crazycow]

I’d give it a month to 2 months

Mine had eggs for like 2 months. She was on heat too.

On second thought she probably ate them at some point, but she did have them for a very long time.

Interesting, did she ever have workers or just layer the eggs and ate them?

[NickAnter]

From what I have seen, plaster and hydrostone nests with some substrate seem to be the best. They are primarily carnivorous, and so rarely accept sugars. Their main protein is springtails and other small insects.

[Crazycow]

From what I have seen, plaster and hydrostone nests with some substrate seem to be the best. They are primarily carnivorous, and so rarely accept sugars. Their main protein is springtails and other small insects.

i have looked for springtales in my local pet stores but could not find any and am going to order some, is there any substitute i could use in the meantime? 

[NickAnter]

Booklice. She might accept termites as well, along with fruit flies.

[M_Ants]

Dead fruit fly.